United States Attorney General Jeff Sessions spoke to law enforcement leaders in St. Louis on Friday, urging a return to proactive and community-based policing.

"Proactive, up-close policing - when officers get out of their squad cars and interact with everyone on their beat - that builds trust, prevents violent crime, saves lives and creates a good atmosphere," Sessions said.

He also touched on the unrest in nearby Ferguson, where a controversial shooting in 2014 led to protests and riots.